The Massachusetts Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) program conducts science-based state and national surveys targeting exotic plant pests, diseases, and weeds identified as threats to U.S. agriculture and/or the environment. These activities are accomplished under USDA funding that is provided through cooperative agreements with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). Surveys conducted through the CAPS Program represent a second line of defense against the entry of harmful plant pests and weeds. The mission of the CAPS program is to provide information about exotic plant pests of regulatory significance in the United States through early detection and surveillance.
Current and Past Survey Data
Proposed 2025 CAPS Survey List:
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Pest | |
| Box tree moth | Cydalima perspectalis |
| Spotted lanternfly | Lycorma delicatula |
| Rosy tussock moth | Lymantria mathura |
| Oak ambrosia beetle | Platypus quercivorus |
| Oak processionary moth | Thaumetopoea processionea |
2024 CAPS Survey List:
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Masson pine moth | Dendrolimus punctatus |
| Nun moth | Lymantria monacha |
| Oak Ambrosia beetle | Platypus quercivorus |
| Oak processionary moth | Thaumetopoea processionea |
| Pine processionary moth | Thaumetopoea pityocampa |
| Rosy moth | Lymantria mathura |
2023 CAPS Survey List:
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Asian longhorned beetle | Anoplophora glabripennis |
| Black spruce/Brown longhorned spruce beetle | Tetropium castaneum/Tetropium fuscum |
| Box tree moth | Cydalima perspectalis |
| European cherry fruit fly | Rhagoletis cerasi |
| European grapevine moth | Lobesia botrana |
| Light brown apple moth | Epiphyas postvittana |
| Masson pine moth | Dendrolimus punctatus |
| Mile-a-minute vine | Persicaria perfoliata |
| Pine processionary moth | Thaumetopoea pityocampa |
| Pine sawfly | Diprion pini |
| Plum fruit moth | Grapholita funebrana |
| spotted lanternfly | Lycorma delicatula |
| Summer fruit Tortrix moth | Adoxophes orana |
2023 CAPS Survey Results: Box tree moth was found in Barnstable County, but not through CAPS survey. Additional spotted lanternfly infestations were also confirmed. Please see our pest dashboard for details. No other species from the list above were found.